Concerta and High Blood Pressure

Q:

Concerta worked wonderfully for our seven-year-old son. But, at his last checkup, his doctor noticed that his blood pressure was high, and took him off the medication. Do all stimulants have this effect?

No, all stimulants will not necessarily raise your son’s blood pressure. Every person reacts to the different stimulant medications differently, so your son should be able to try a medication other than Concerta while your doctor monitors his blood pressure and heart rate. If you don’t find another stimulant that works as well and doesn’t cause this effect, the doctor may want to try a nonstimulant.